Rocky River Survives Westlake to Win Fifth Straight

Rocky River, Ohio – Coming into the contest on Thursday night, Rocky River and Westlake were 2 teams with 2 vastly different paths this season. The Pirates were looking to stay hot having won 4 straight games, while the Demons were looking to snap a 3-game losing skid.  

Fortunately for the Pirates, they would continue their hot streak as they knocked off the Demons 28-19. Rocky River was led by Quarterback Ryan Taylor as he completed 10 of his 21 passes for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 106 yards on 10 carries with another touchdown on the ground. 

With the Westlake Demons coming off 3 consecutive losses, they needed to get off to a quick start to get the sour taste out of their mouths. Their running game would be pertinent in getting them going as RB Jake Ostrowski had a big opening drive. The Demons marched off 80 yards in a 15-play opening scoring drive. Nearly 11 minutes was taken off the clock. Jake Ostrowski capped off the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown and Westlake was playing from in front early. 

Rocky River was not going to let the start deter them from making plays themselves. The Pirates worked an 8-play 80-yard scoring drive of their own to start their offensive game. Quarterback Ryan Taylor took an 11-yard run to the house to get Rocky River on the board. However, after a blocked PAT, the Pirates still trailed 7-6. 

On the Pirates’ ensuing defensive possession, they got a huge play from senior linebacker Ben Bogre. Ben picked off an attempted pass from Westlake QB Sam Brucchieri and returned it to the Demon’s 18 yard line. After an offsides penalty by Westlake, Joey DiSalvo took a handoff 13 yards into the end zone to give Rocky River the lead. With a missed 2-point conversion attempt, the Pirates had a 12-7 lead.  

Rocky River’s defense would make another important play on the next Westlake possession. With the Demons driving deep into Rocky River territory, the Pirates’ defense forced a fumble and recovered. They would be set up at their own 17. 

Last week, kicker Stephen Cain hit his first career field goal in walk-off fashion for Rocky River. He would be called upon on Rocky River’s next drive as he drilled a 44-yard field goal to extend the Pirates’ lead. 

After forcing a quick punt, Rocky River took over on offense with just under 2 minutes to go in the first half. Five plays later, Ryan Taylor found Cam Bulkowski for a 13-yard touchdown. Following another missed 2-point conversion, Rocky River held a 21-7 lead heading into halftime. 

As the game entered the 2nd half, Westlake was still within reach and needed to get it started by having defensive stops. With Rocky River opening the half with possession, the time to make plays came right away. The Demons would do just that and would force the Pirates to punt the ball away for the first time all game.  

On their ensuing offensive possession, the Westlake Demons had a lot of ground to cover starting on their own 18. It was no problem though as big plays from Sam Brucchieri throughout the drive set up a 1-yard Jake Ostrowski touchdown run. Westlake had made it a one-score game. However, a missed PAT would still have them down 21-13.  

The Pirates’ offense would not let the one-score game stand long, however. A 3-play 62-yard scoring drive would be the answer to extend Rocky River’s lead. It was capped off by a 59-yard bomb from Ryan Taylor to running back Joey DiSalvo. With the PAT added on, the Rocky River lead was 28-13. 

With their backs against the wall, the Westlake Demons still continued to fight. Sam Brucchieri would continue his good game finding multiple receivers for chunk plays to move the ball downfield. Set up with a 4th and 1 deep in Rocky River territory, Sam was called upon with a QB Sneak. However, the Pirates’ defense stood tall and forced a turnover on downs that would give the Pirates possession at their own 5. 

Looking to put the game away, the Pirates drove deep into Westlake territory and were set up for a field goal attempt. A high snap forced a late kick that was blocked by the Demons and would set them up for potentially a late scoring drive.  

A 7-play 78-yard scoring drive was set up by a 32-yard strike from Brucchieri to wide receiver William Bierfeldt. Brucchieri capped off the drive by running one into the end zone from 6 yards out. The Demons set up to go for a 2-point conversion to make it a 7-point game. However, they were stymied short of the goal line and would trail 28-19. 

After an onside kick that was recovered by Rocky River, the game was all but over. The Pirates would hold on for the win and extend their winning streak to 5 games.  

Thursday night’s victory was the 70th win for the Rocky River Pirates under Coach Josh Wells. The win puts him at the number one spot All-Time in coaching wins at Rocky River! 

Week 9 

Next week, the Rocky River Pirates (7-1) travel to take on the Buckeye Bucks (6-1) in a matchup that will be a tough test for the Pirates. As for the Westlake Demons (2-5), they will travel to Byers Field in Parma to take on the Normandy Invaders (2-6). 

Key Players 

Rocky River Pirates:  

QB Ryan Taylor – 10/21 passing, 169 yards, 2 TDs; 10 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD 

RB Joey DiSalvo – 12 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 59 yards, 1 TD 

WR Cam Bulkowski – 2 receptions, 31 yards, 1 TD 

Westlake Demons: 

QB Sam Bucchieri – 14/20 passing, 181 yards, 1 INT; 21 carries, 129 yards, 1 TD 

RB Jake Ostrowski – 18 carries, 74 yards, 2 TDs 

WR William Bierfeldt – 4 receptions for 84 yards 

PLAYER OF THE GAME: ROCKY RIVER QB RYAN TAYLOR